Mr. Matthew Abo, the Benue Commissioner for Information, Culture, and Tourism, has been taken hostage by unidentified gunmen.
The Commissioner was kidnapped by the gunmen on Sunday between 8:00 and 10:00 p.m. from his rural home in Zaki Biam, a part of the state’s Ukum council.
When the shooters arrived at the door, it was discovered that the commissioner was at home with his family.
The attackers, who arrived at the neighborhood on four motorcycles, opened fire indiscriminately before breaking into his living room and escorting him to an unidentified location.
Sir Tersoo Kula, the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, confirmed the occurrence on Monday:
“Unfortunately, that is the news. Commissioner for Information, Culture, and Tourism, Mr. Matthew Abo, from Ukum LGA was kidnapped.”
“We received the unfortunate development and His Excellency, Governor Hyacinth Alia, has already directed and detailed the security operatives to ensure his safe release from the kidnappers’ den.”
On August 29, 2023, Abo was one of the 17 commissioners that were officially sworn in as State Executive Council members.